Pelion

Traditional villages, ski slopes, outdoor sports, heavenly beaches and dense forests… a place for all seasons

To one side, the Pagasitikos Gulf and, to the other, the Aegean. In between, a magical mountain to discover by the name of Pelion! Water gurgles in the fountains. Sunbeams stream through the leaves of the plane trees, apple trees, oaks, beeches, gardenias, hydrangeas, camellias. Nature flourishes in the fertile soil of Thessaly. In the autumn, a surreal palette of orange and red unfolds before you. Pathways, old churches, beaches with peacock-coloured water all add to this multi-coloured assemblage. Up high, its villages teeter on the edge of the mountain. One weekend is not enough to take it all in. Welcome to magnificent Pelion.

What to do in Pelion

Travel to the home of the mythical CentaursSo much beauty inevitably created myths. According to mythology, Centaurs ruled Pelion, led by the wisest of them all, Chiron, who taught medicine and made the snake its symbol, and who initiated both Achilles and Asclepius into his secrets.

The ‘balconies’ of the PagasitikosOn the way from Volos to Pelion, you will pass Portaria and Makrinitsa, the star villages of the area, consisting of stone fountains, quaint homes, paths, boutique bed & breakfasts and five-star hotels, churches and delicious local dishes. Below, the panoramic view of Volos and the Pagasitikos Gulf is laid out at your feet. In these villages – jewels of Pelian architecture – you’ll experience what quality of life really means.

Let’s go skiingSkiing with a view of the Aegean? Just the ticket! The ski resort in Agriolefkes, at 1,470m above sea level, awaits you with four slopes for advanced skiers and one for beginners (7km in total), and a warm and cosy refuge for après-ski. There are also stores and cafes galore, a ski school and, as if it needed mentioning again, that spectacular sea view to match your prowess on the piste.

Tsangarada: a village in the shade of the planesYou’re standing in the shade of the sky-high plane trees, taking in the refreshing breeze. You are in Agia Paraskevi, one of the four districts of Tsangarada, one of the most famous villages in Pelion. You’ll explore the others – Agios Stefanos, Agia Kyriaki and Taxiarches – by footpath, among the chestnut trees, fruit trees and flowers. Tsangarada, a favourite destination for years, is full of nature and life.

Zagora: the apple-tree villageZagorin apples, chestnuts and cherries are famous throughout Greece. They are the staples of Zagora, the largest, wealthiest and most historic village in Pelion. From the beginning of the 20th century, Zagorians turned to agriculture, and to apples in particular. Their Agricultural Cooperative was founded in 1916.

Pelion’s villagesPouri, Keramidi, Mouresi, Kissos, Milies, Vizitsa, Pinakates, Agios Georgios Nilias, Agios Lavrentios… the villages of Pelion, each with its own character, are all worth a visit. Incredible architecture, traditional bed & breakfasts, shady squares with churches, traditional coffee shops and tavernas all contribute to your quickly becoming part of the furniture!

Old churchesThe old churches of Pelion hide surprises. The Pammegiston Taxiarchon monastery in Milies was renovated in 1764 and is renowned for its amazing acoustics. Why? Some 48 jars, turned upside-down and hidden in the roof combine with five inter-connecting underground wells to create a sonic sensation.. At Kissos, you’ll visit Agia Marina, built in 1650, and admire its beautiful murals inspired by the Apocalypse, as well as the Old and New Testaments. All of these monasteries, churches and attractions will enchant you.

Aegean watersAs you make your way down the mountain, you’ll come across large and small beaches with white pebbles or fine sand and crystal-clear water. Off the beaches of Pelion, you’ll swim under the gaze of aristocratic Pelion houses and plane trees that practically reach the water.

Old world charm and modern luxuryA stately stay, literally. Dozens of stately stone homes, with traditional decor, living rooms with fireplaces and stone patios with flowers, await you throughout the villages of Pelion. If you’re looking for modern luxury, you’ll find 5-star hotels, private villas or condos with suites and pools. The best thing about them is that they are all are located amidst Pelion’s lush green landscape, which provides a continuous cool breeze, even during August’s heatwaves.

All aboard!Rendezvous at Milies, the train station, to wait for the Mountzouris, the famous steam train that took its first puff in 1895 and is now welcomed at the platform with an enthusiastic show of support; a gleaming, mechanical champion of more innocent days. . The driver starts up the engine by hand and the charming little train sets out for Ano Lehonia; a magical ride through trees and forests and over 12 bridges – a trip worth taking.

Damouhari: a scene from a filmThe beach at Damouhari is a postcard brought to life. A lovely landscape, moody and wild at the same time, divided in two by a strip of land; the Old and New Damouhari. The tavernas offer a five-star dinner with a view. The marina was the location of the Dancing Queen scene in Mamma Mia.

Pelion’s pathsPelion was, and is, a living mountain. Discover it through the dense network of trails and paths, such as Milies-Tsangarada, Tsangarada-Damouhari-Ai Iannis, Kissos-Mouresi, Chania-Kissos, Portaria-Chania and Damouhari-Fakistra. Experienced hikers and nature lovers will discover the mountain’s secrets, the history and rich vegetation.

The beautiful beaches of Eastern Pelion, such as the beach of Papa Nero in combination with the wonderful sea, are an ideal choice for the summer holidays. The sun, the waves, the toys in the sand always cause the appetite and for this since 1977 the restaurant-tavern "The [...]

Τhe traditional tavern "Metaxogenis" is located in the beautiful village of Draceia, Pelion, 30m. before the square. You can enjoy traditional Pelion food as well as grilled meals. Come and enjoy our Pelion cuisine combined with the coolness and the pleasure of nature in the [...]

Xinovrisi is one of the most picturesque and beautiful villages of Mount Pelion, with great scenery and views towards the Aegean Sea. At the square of the village, one can find Taverna Leonidas that is situated beneath the old plane trees and offers a wide variety of [...]

The "Marabu Cafe Bar" located on the beautiful beach of Abovos is a very popular place to enjoy a drink and admire the beautiful views and natural scenery that Pelion is famous for. At our Cafe Bar, you can enjoy a range of drinks, coffees, beers, beverages, juices and [...]

The delightful "Marabou Restaurant" in the coastal resort of Afissos in Pelion, is one of the most popular restaurants in the village. Here you can enjoy a wonderful selection of freshly prepared meals throughout the year, as the restaurant is open all year round. At our restaurant, [...]

At Afissos in Pelion, we are waiting for you to taste our Mediterranean cuisine with cooked and traditional homemade dishes as well as drinks in a wonderful family environment in the plane trees. Contact info: Afissos, Pelion / GPS: 39.272588, 23.164408 Tel: 24230 [...]

You will find us in the beautiful village of Pelion, Argalasti and we will wait for you to taste our delicious cooked traditional dishes. Contact info: Argalasti, Pelion / GPS: 39.225917, 23.219109 Tel: 6

In the environment of our traditional fish tavern you will experience after a delightful swim in the beautiful beaches of Lefokastro, seafood, fresh fish, but also cooked and grilled. Contact info: Lefokastro, Pelion, Magnesia / GPS: 39.250893, 23.180802 Tel: 242303355

RODIA Hotel is located in Kala Nera, a small fishing village on the Pagasitic Gulf. At the edge of the beach of Kala Nera and a few meters from the sea, RODIA promises to its guests a comfortable and relaxing stay. The hotel, built with passion, on the traditional architectural [...]